Letter 1: to MPs

Subject: Urgent action needed to ensure lawful single-sex spaces in the NHS

Dear [MP Name],

I am writing as a constituent to raise serious concerns about the continued failure of NHS Trusts/Boards to provide lawful single-sex spaces for patients and staff.

One year on from the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, the findings of a nationwide audit were published on 16 April via an interactive public map, which sets out the current status of NHS Trust policies on single-sex spaces here: https://seeninhealth.org/nhs-foi-map/. Please review this.

This audit, conducted by a grassroots group of women, found widespread non-compliance across NHS Trusts. The findings indicate that many Trust policies continue to prioritise gender identity over biological sex in relation to wards, toilets, and changing facilities.

As you will be aware, the Supreme Court confirmed that “sex” in the Equality Act refers to biological sex in the context of single-sex services. Despite this, NHS policies remain unchanged.

Examples identified include policies stating that:

• Patients should be accommodated according to gender presentation rather than sex
• Staff may use facilities based on self-declared gender identity
• Female patients or staff who object may be moved instead

These practices raise serious concerns about:

• Patient dignity, privacy and safety
• Workplace rights of female staff
• Legal compliance with the Equality Act 2010

I am asking you to:

1. Write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to request urgent direction to NHS Trusts/Boards to ensure compliance with the law
2. Support the immediate publication and implementation of EHRC guidance on single-sex spaces
3. Seek clarity on how DHSC is monitoring and enforcing compliance
4. Advocate for the restoration of clear, lawful single-sex provision for both patients and staff

This issue affects the safety, dignity and rights of women and girls across the NHS. The current situation—where unlawful or unclear policies persist—is not acceptable. Recent April 2026 Freedom of Information responses confirm policies remain “under review”, with organisations awaiting EHRC guidance demonstrating no change and that single-sex spaces are still not protected.

I would welcome your response outlining what action you will take on behalf of your constituents.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]
[Postcode]